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The Scottish side began their European journey in perfect fashion with a valuable four-try away victory against Sale Sharks.

With the wind at their backs, the hosts started the brighter and raced to a fourteen-point lead within the first quarter. Scores from the Sale skipper and teenage debutant Ollie Davies gave them early control.

However, the visitors responded well with a pair of scores prior to half-time. Hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Darge both went over to reduce the gap.

Additional after the break scores from captain Kyle Steyn and centurion Stafford McDowall pushed the Warriors' lead to twelve points. A late reply for Sale set up a tense finish, but the visitors stood strong to secure a major opening victory.

Glasgow Seize Initiative After Interval

The match began with a bang as skipper Van Rhyn drove over from close range after just two minutes. A first-half knock to midfielder Ma'asi-White brought 19-year-old Davies into the fray for his European debut.

The youngster made an instant contribution. Switching to fly-half, he took a good angle to collect an offload and touch down, making the home side's lead.

Facing difficult conditions, the Warriors used their set-piece to get back into the game. A powerful driving maul was finished by hooker Gregor Hiddleston. Prior to the half, Darge barged over, with Adam Hastings' conversion making it a narrow game at half-time.

Glasgow seized the lead for the first time early in the restart. A poor kick was gathered by No. 8 Jack Dempsey, who fed skipper Kyle Steyn to break a tackle and sprint to the line.

Now in the driving seat, Glasgow secured the bonus point when McDowall ran through a tackle to celebrate his 100th appearance for the team. That score completed a run of twenty-six consecutive points.

The hosts gave themselves a lifeline when Louw used good footwork to cross. The kick made it a five-point game with minutes remaining.

A final opportunity arose for them from a line-out in the corner, but they lost the ball, sealing Glasgow's triumph.

Looking Ahead

Sale Sharks must regroup ahead of a trip to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend. Meanwhile, Glasgow will host six-time winners Toulouse to Scotstoun.

The two sides are drawn in a strong first pool that also includes Saracens and Durban-based outfit the Hollywoodbets Sharks.

Teams

Sale Sharks: Reed; O'Flaherty, Ma'asi-White, Louw, Wills; Du Preez, Quirke; McIntyre, Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber, Vermeulen, Van Rhyn, T Curry.
Replacements: Caine, Onasanya, Harper, Andrews, B Curry, Warr, Davies, Wehr.

Glasgow Warriors: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Horne; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Samuel, Brown, Miller, Dobie, Lancaster.

Match Officials

Referee: Pierre Brousset (France).
Assistant Referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (French) and Julien Caulier (France).
TMO: Tual Trainini (France).